Researcher - Cyber-Security and Strategic Technologies

Researcher - Cyber-Security and Strategic Technologies
100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich is a center of competence for Swiss and international security policy. It offers expertise in research, teaching, and policy consultancy, and plays an active role in educating the next generation of security policy experts. CSS connects academic insight with real-world applications, providing expertise to Swiss government agencies, international organizations, and the wider public.

Project background

The CSS think tank seeks a Researcher specializing in cyber-security policy and strategic technologies, with a strong interest in the Swiss and international policy environment.

Job description

You will conduct research at the intersection of technological innovation and security politics - particularly on cyber-security and cyber-defense issues - publish your findings in policy-relevant and academic outlets, and share your expertise through dialogue with policymakers and other stakeholders:

• Research and Publication: Conduct and publish high-quality, policy-oriented research on how cyber and other strategic technologies influence (inter)national security, defense, and governance.
• Policy Engagement: Contribute actively to policy discussions on cyber defense and related topics, helping translate research insights into actionable policy recommendations.
• Teaching and Outreach: Support CSS further education activities, helping to bridge the gap between academic research and policy practice, and to inform and inspire future leaders in security policy

Profile

• Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of cyber-security and/or emerging technologies, ideally with an understanding of their political, strategic, or governance implications
• Experience: Relevant experience in policy analysis or consultancy - within a think tank, academia, government, or an international organization - is an advantage
• Education: At minimum, a Master's degree in security studies, international relations, political science, or a related field
• Skills: Strong analytical abilities and a proven record of high-quality, policy-relevant writing
• Languages: Proficiency in English; knowledge of German and/or French is an advantage

Workplace
Workplace
We offer

CSS offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and policy work at the intersection of technology and security. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team within one of the world's leading universities, closely connected to Switzerland's policy and innovation ecosystem.

This is a fixed-term position (two years), renewable up to a maximum of six years. We offer competitive working conditions, a central workplace in Zurich, and a strong commitment to professional development, with training and career advancement opportunities as part of our personnel policy.

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• CV
• letter of interest explaining the skills and motivation you would bring to the post
• one to two single-authored writing samples (e.g. an academic article, or policy brief)

The application deadline is 30th November 2025. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about us can be found on our website. For questions about the position, please contact Myriam Dunn Cavelty at (no application documents).

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